Brian Unger is an actor, comedian and TV host probably best known for being one of the original correspondents on The Daily Show. You may have also seen Unger on shows like It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, How the States Got Their Shapes, and Reno 911. Additionally, Unger is a regular commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered and was once a spokesman for Yoo-hoo. Currently, Unger is the host of Travel Channel’s Time Traveling with Brian Unger, which premieres Monday, April 20th. In the show, Unger uses CGI graphics to take locals visually back in time to visit parts of their communities as they were years ago.
Brian was nice enough to take a few minutes out of his busy schedule recently to answer a few questions from us.
1. You walk into a bar. What do you order from the bartender?
Typically, I’m a Hendricks martini up with a twist.
2. Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter?
Jim Earl, a writer & friend from The Daily Show. He always makes me laugh. And then laugh again on his FB. And I also enjoy Sarah Thyre. Always funny. And Paul F. Tompkins. And Lizz Winstead. Ok, let’s just stop here.
3. What’s currently waiting for you on your DVR/TiVO?
Breaking Bad. I’m the last person in America to watch this series. I hear it’s very, very good.
4. It’s your last meal — what are you going out with?
Macaroni & Cheese. Macaroni and anything, frankly.
5. What websites do you visit on a regular basis?
I hit all the major dailies and an assortment of political blogs first — NYT, LAT, WSJ, WAPOST, Drudge, Gawker, Huff Post, Crooks & Liars to name a few. Then I’ll shift into some trades: Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, TV Week Biz Wire, TV by the Numbers, Reelscreen, Media Life. Then for dessert, DListed — or I start here if it’s a slow news day. I’ve got all this down to a 20 minute activity. And then enjoy watching cable news turn it into a 24-hour activity.
6. What’s the most frequently played song on your mobile device?
“Airstream Song” by Miranda Lambert.
7. The first face that comes to mind when you think “punchable”?
The custodian or guardian of any animal that is abused or neglected.
8. What’s the last thing you Googled?
Hold please. Ok, back. I googled Crossfit gyms in Lincoln, NM. There are none. Will adjust my caloric intake accordingly.
9. Dogs or cats?
Dogs. Two. A Great Dane named Bison. And a Dogue de Bordeaux named Louis.
10. Best concert of your life was…?
Mel Torme at Michael’s Pub in 1992.
11. What book are you most likely to give as a gift?
Any history book. Most recently I gave someone American Brutus about John Wilkes Booth. What a jerk.
12. What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Loaned me money when I was broke — and there have been many along the path to full-time employment.
13. South Park or Family Guy?
Family Guy by a hair.
14. You have an entire day to do whatever you want. What would you do?
I would spend it with my horse, on a trail.
15. What movie can you not resist watching if it’s on?
Well, that’s an easy one – Point Break.
16. The sports team or teams you’re most passionate about?
I’m more nostalgic — about two sports team from Cincinnati — Bengals or Reds.
17. Where did you eat the best meal of your life?
First impressions are everything: I think it was at Julia Child’s restaurant in Napa. Which I believe is closed now. But for a kid from Ohio, it was an introduction to California and cuisine.
18. The last movie you saw in a theater?
Birdman. When I get off the road I’m headed for Fast & Furious MXVIII.
19. Who was your first celebrity crush?
Petula Clark. And to this day I have no idea why.
20. What would you cook if Nic Cage was coming to your house for dinner?
Ribeye steaks from Costco, Brussel sprouts of my own making, sweet potatoes from Ruth’s Chris and a big California Cabernet.
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